Animal control officers removed 96 cats from a south New Jersey home after neighbors complained of a strong stench and unsanitary conditions.
The house, in the East Riverton section of Cinnaminson, appeared well-kept from the outside, said neighbors. Yet the back porch, where animal control officials removed 96 cats, was covered with un-emptied litterboxes.
Health officials say because of untreated infections, many of the cats eyes were fused shut. Because they were feral, had upper respiratory infections and other diseases, and had matted fur with feces and urine, 93 of the 96 captured felines were euthanized. As of April 19, the remaining three were still under observation.
The houses resident, an elderly woman identified at Dorothy Tompkins, told County health officials that a single cat was responsible for what eventually became a feline overpopulation.
What happened was she just got one cat that was pregnant and they all inbred over four years, and they produced that many offspring. County Health Coordinator Bob Gogats told WPVI-TV.
Posted: April 21, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST